Palghar, Maharashtra: Traffic chaos and simmering tensions in Boisar, a major industrial hub in Palghar district, erupted into violence on Monday, leaving passengers terrified and a bus driver injured.
The incident, stemming from a near-collision between a bus and an auto-rickshaw, took place near the Boisar railway station, an area notorious for its traffic congestion and unauthorized rickshaw stands.
Manoj Sheshrao Harnale, a bus driver, was transporting passengers from Boisar towards Navapur when an auto-rickshaw reportedly sped in front of his bus near DG Shop, forcing him to slam on the brakes to avoid a collision. This sudden maneuver caused significant panic among the passengers.
The near-accident sparked a heated argument between Harnale and the rickshaw driver, which quickly escalated. Passengers from the rickshaw and local bystanders joined the altercation, resulting in Harnale being forcibly pulled from his bus and assaulted.
Pramod Alugusingh, Sanjay Yadav, and an unidentified rickshaw driver were identified as the assailants. They reportedly grabbed Harnale by the collar, verbally abused him, and struck him on the legs with a stick.
Police have registered a case against the accused at Boisar MIDC Police Station under IPC 2023 sections 137 (2), 323 (1), 332, and 353, charging them with obstructing government work, assault, and using criminal force to deter a public servant from duty.
The incident caused a temporary traffic disruption, but police quickly arrived and intervened. The accused have been arrested, and an investigation is ongoing. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of commuters and the need for better traffic management in Boisar.
